Triton Controls Ltd, of Evenwood, which specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of a wide range of float switches, door sensors and electronic control systems, has won four orders and signed a distribution contract following a visit to Gdynia in October 2007.
Triton worked closely with Jeff Thompson, an International Trade Adviser at UK Trade & Investment's Regional International Trade Office in the North East, to take advantage of the support programmes that the organisation offers to exporters.
Prior to the company's visit to Poland, UK Trade and Investment staff in the commercial section of the British Embassy there provided assistance through the OMIS programme, including a list of tailored contacts.
Triton has also made use of UK Trade & Investment's Passport to Export scheme, which offers a unique, tailor-made package of support to meet each company's individual needs.
Triton sales manager Tim Smith said:
"One of the contacts identified through OMIS, JBK-Systems, proved to be just what we were looking for. They placed an initial order for float switches worth 1,052 euros (£802), then in November we signed a distribution contract with them and since then they have placed three more orders worth almost 4,000 euros (£3,049).
"We are extremely satisfied with the service provided by UK Trade & Investment staff both in the British Embassy Commercial Section in Warsaw and the North East Regional International Trade Office and I would recommend other companies interested in starting to export, or in expanding into new overseas markets, to take advantage of the help on offer, including OMIS".
International Trade Adviser Jeff Thompson said:
"Triton are already experienced and successful exporters to many parts of the world, but the help offered by UK Trade & Investment can still be valuable in helping such companies to break into new markets where they have not operated before.
"OMIS is flexible and can be tailored to offer a range of support from researching the market and highlighting potential business contacts to guidance on technical standards, labelling and packaging requirements. Through OMIS a company can access commercial staff in more than 200 countries, each with the expert knowledge needed to help draw up a programme to ensure success in the market."
OMIS offers five levels of service, built around the typical requirements of a business making its first steps into a new market, all providing a flexible blend of preparatory advice and research as well as support when a company visits the market. Prices range from £225 up to £1,800 including VAT, depending on the level of service required.
The overseas experts will propose a programme of support and advice that meets a company's individual needs. This could include an analysis of possible market entry strategies, identification of possible business partners and preliminary discussions with them on the company's behalf. Staff can also identify potential customers and contacts to meet during a visit to the target market.
Research would highlight local conditions and may include advice on competitors, local regulations and standards relating to the company's products or services. Staff can also assist with introductions to translators or interpreters, offer advice and assistance with publicity in the target market, help organise events and set up key appointments or find relevant tender opportunities.
For more information about OMIS and the wide range of support services available through UK Trade & Investment to help your company succeed overseas call the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk
